Derek and Julie are very experienced sailors having previously sailed around Britain and Ireland. However, they have very little experience of motor cruisers and today was the day to correct that oversight. The selected cruising area was the full length of Loch Long, largely because it would have been a difficult sailing area with much tacking between the nearby shores. They were surprised by how much more you can see from Jomima with the higher helm position and lack of obstructing sails. I don’t think that they are ready to convert to power yet but, perhaps, the thought is now not so onerous.
Unfortunately the truck ride to Scotland, which stirs up any sediment, followed by treating the diesel tanks with treatment to kill any bacteria and algae, meant that the port engine stopped abruptly with a blocked filter. I had planned to change the filters in two days time, in Kip Marina but was now faced with having to do so at anchor at the top Loch Long. Spare filters and equipment for changing them was all on board. So, with the experienced help of Derek, we changed the primary and engine filters fitted to that engine. Air had been drawn into the pipes, by the fuel starvation, so the engine needed to turn over for some time before it finally started – much to the relief of everybody. The diagnosis of the problem was confirmed when we made it back to Holy Loch Marina without any further problems.
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